When fans think of Texas Longhorns football, they think of the burnt orange, Bevo, and the intense coaching of Steve Sarkisian. But while Sarkisian is famous for his offensive play-calling and sideline intensity, his family tree boasts a connection far removed from the gridiron and planted firmly in the world of Hollywood royalty. The Texas head coach has an unexpected and rarely discussed relationship with one of the biggest entertainment icons of all time: the legendary singer, actress, and pop culture powerhouse Cher.
The connection comes through Sarkisian’s wife, Loreal, who is related to Cher’s late ex-husband, Sonny Bono. Though the exact familial degree is distant, the link establishes Sarkisian as being loosely related by marriage to the extended family of the singer. This surprising revelation adds an extra layer of intrigue to a coach whose every move is already scrutinized under the massive Texas spotlight, suggesting that even the most intense football minds can have a surprising brush with celebrity glamour.
The contrasting worlds could not be starker: one family member is renowned for charting hits, winning Oscars, and setting fashion trends across seven decades; the other is focused on winning the SEC and setting the tone for one of college football’s most demanding programs. While Sarkisian’s success is built purely on Xs and Os, the knowledge that he is one degree of separation from the woman known simply as “Goddess of Pop” makes the Longhorns’ coaching box a little more fascinating.
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Is Steve Sarkisian related to Cher?
Steve Sarkisian is not directly related to Cher by blood. The connection is through marriage, and it is a somewhat distant one.
Sarkisian is married to Loreal Sarkisian, and she is related to the late Sonny Bono, who was famously married to Cher. Bono was Cher’s musical partner and first husband from 1964 to 1975. Therefore, Steve Sarkisian is loosely connected to Cher’s extended family through his wife’s side.
While this connection is sometimes mentioned in articles focusing on Sarkisian’s personal life, it is not a direct or close relationship. Sarkisian generally keeps his focus on football rather than discussing the Hollywood links in his extended family.
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What is Cher’s full name?
Cher’s full name is Cherilyn Sarkisian.
She was born Cherilyn Sarkisian LaPiere. After her marriage to Sonny Bono, she was sometimes formally known as Cherilyn Sarkisian Bono. However, she legally changed her name to simply Cher in 1978.
The Grammy winner changed her legal full name to Cher in the late ’70s, dropping her four surnames — her birth name Sarkisian, plus the last names of her stepfather Gilbert LaPiere and ex-husbands Sonny Bono and Gregg Allman.
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Where is Steve Sarkisian from?
Sarkisian grew up in Torrance, Calif.
At Torrance High School, Sarkisian was a standout two-sport athlete, excelling in both football (as a quarterback) and baseball (as a shortstop). His initial path after high school led him to play baseball first, briefly joining the minor league system for the Toronto Blue Jays before returning to football.
Southern California has been a significant anchor throughout his coaching career. His most high-profile assistant coaching job and eventual first Power Five head coaching position came at the University of Southern California (USC), bringing him back to his home region for long stretches before he moved to other programs like Washington, Alabama, and eventually Texas.
Steve Sarkisian parents
Sarkisian’s parents are Seb and Sally Sarkisian.
Seb is of Armenian descent, which accounts for the family’s distinctive surname. His parents provided a stable home environment in the suburban South Bay area of Los Angeles County where Steve developed into a talented two-sport athlete in both football and baseball. Sarkisian has consistently credited his parents for instilling the strong values, discipline, and dedicated work ethic that became the foundation for his successful playing career and demanding coaching career at the highest levels of college football.
Beyond her family ties, Loreal Sarkisian built an impressive athletic career of her own. She was a standout track and field competitor at North Carolina A&T, highlighted by a run to the semifinals at the 2003 U.S. Olympic Trials and a seventh-place finish in the hurdles at the 2009 NCAA Championships. Recognizing her well-rounded excellence, she was named MEAC Woman of the Year for combining achievement in academics, athletics, service, and leadership. Loreal later translated her experience into coaching, serving as an assistant track and field coach at USC.
